19th Century Mahogany Wheel Barometer by Harris of Holborn.

A mid 19th century mahogany and line inlaid wheel barometer and thermometer. With Dry/Damp dial and mercury thermometer above 10inch silvered dial. The storm dial marked HARRIS, 50, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON

Many makers with the surname Harris have worked in the London instrument trade since the middle of the 17th century, however this branch of the family can be traced back to Richard Harris who is recorded in Clifton, Gloria Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851 as working from several addresses in London circa 1710-1810. His son, William, was apprenticed to the clockmaker Joseph Robinson and gained his freedom of the Clockmaker's Company in 1796. William set up business first at 47 High Holborn, London in 1805 before moving to a couple of doors down to number 50 in 1815. The business became 'William Harris & Company' in around 1813 before being renamed 'William Harris & Son' in 1841 when William Harris is believed to have taken in his son, Richard Joshua, into partnership. The business is recorded working from 50 High Holborn until around 1855.